Jet CenterBenny the Jet and Sensei Sara

By Moshe Katz

To anyone training in
martial arts in the 1980’s Benny “The Jet” Urquidez needs no introduction. Even
today, any serious martial arts practitioner should be well acquainted with
this legendary fighter, trainer and fight choreographer.

I of course learned about him by the countless articles concerning
him in martial arts magazines. To meet such a person, well, I never really imagined
such a privilege.

I wanted to meet The Jet, and to have the privilege to train
with him. I flew to Los Angeles, California and I just knew I had to go to the
Jet Center. I spent hours trying to find it. Turns out the old location was
destroyed by an earthquake or something and they relocated to right near where
I was staying. He was right under my nose.

I found the location and was very excited to look around.
Following the photos and certificates on the wall, I accidentally crossed the “Employees
Only” yellow tape. Oops! A tall, very attractive woman comes up to meet and
says, “Excuse me. Can I help you?”

I said, “Sorry, I did not mean to trespass. It’s just that
Benny “the Jet” is such a legend and a hero, not only his fights but his
tremendous volunteer work with gangs, we even have his photo in our school in
Israel. For me being here is like a pilgrimage, I guess I did not see the
yellow line.”

She looked at me, friendlier now, and said, “That is so
nice. I love to hear people say such nice things about my husband.”

I had just met Sensei Sara and would soon meet more of the “first
family of kickboxing”.

What a thrill to be at the Jet Center.

Friday morning Sensei Sara taught a great kickboxing and
fitness class. She has such positive energy, which the students pick up on.
Although there were many similarities to what I had learned, there was also a
great many new drills. She also showed me some great stretching exercises that
Sensei Benny, as he is known to his students, developed.

Moshe with Benny the Jet, back in the day....(Los Angeles, California)

Meeting Sensei Benny was a true thrill. He is modest and
friendly, does not act like an undefeated world champion. We spoke about the
work he does with gangs in LA. One of his nephews was killed by a stray bullet
in a gang fight years ago. Since then he has devoted himself to combating gang
violence.

We spoke about his fight choreography on films in LA. We also
spoke about some of the interesting people he has trained such as Bruce Lee’s
daughter Shannon.

The Jet is descended from American Indians, (Mohicans, if I
am not mistaken) and clearly has their fighting spirit. He also has compassion,
kindness and generosity.

I had the privilege of fighting in the ring with some of
their fighters. Although I did not have all the protective gear they still
allowed me to fight, “He’s from Israel”, they said, “Those guys are tough”.

I came back to train many times. On one occasion I was quite
honored and surprised to see a photo of me on display. We still have photos of “The
Jet” and his family on our dojo walls.

To me Sensei Benny epitomized the true warrior, honesty,
humility, patience and kindness. I say this not from reading about him but from
what I felt when I met him, when I had the honor of meeting him. Just a regular
guy you can talk with, eye to eye, a regular guy who just happens to be one of
the most awesome fighters and teachers of our generation.